They had the opportunities, but they fell flat on their faces when it mattered. Come on Knicks, you can be an 8-8 team. Keep fighting. (Oh, and don't shoot at the wrong basket.)

Observation 2: The Thunder are 9-7. I repeat, 9-7. Is this the same team that was 20-62 and 23-59 over the last three seasons? Whether it's because of Durant or Carlesimo, it's a rather amazing turnaround. The NBA really is where amazing happens sometimes.

Observation 3: The Bucks don't disappoint. They don't surprise. They either finish in the mid-twenties in the W column, or they flame out of the first round of the playoffs. They are 8-6 right now...time to continue with the mediocrity.

Observation 4: The Bobcats could make the playoffs for the first time in their short history. They are just below .500 and they beat the Cavs tonight. The Cavs. They beat 'Bron and Shaq. The Bobcats have improved massively since their inception. Even if they get swept in the first round, I see the advancement of this team as imminent.

Observation 5: The Nets will be at least 0-17. Their next two games: the Lakers and Mavericks. Congrats New Jersey, you have a team worse than the DETROIT LIONS.

Observation 6: The Mavs are running away with their division. The Spurs, Hornets, and Rockets are under-producing. The Grizzlies are, well, the Grizzlies. Dirk Nowitzki is playing at a higher caliber then this MVP season. Unless the Spurs, Hornets, and Rockets start playing hard against teams that are not each other, they'll just continue to fizzle out.

I know it's early in the season, but it sure is shaping up to have an interesting finish.